If you’ve ever passed kefir in the grocery store and wondered, “Is that stuff actually good for you?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, I talk with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Kefir, who shares how this tangy, probiotic-rich drink became a lifeline for her immigrant family—and a powerful tool for mental and physical wellness.
Julie dives into the science behind fermented foods, the gut-brain connection, and why kefir might be one of the most underrated health foods on your shelf. We also talk mom-to-mom about raising adventurous eaters, the role of dairy in women’s health, and the importance of modeling self-care for our kids.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why kefir supports gut health, immunity, and even mental health
- How fermented dairy reduces inflammation, and why that matters
- What women should know before cutting dairy from their diet
- How to introduce kids to kefir and other healthy foods
- Why kefir is 99% lactose-free (yes, even for sensitive stomachs)
- How food, family, and culture shape our health journeys
- Practical self-care tips for busy parents
Whether you're curious about the benefits of kefir or looking for real-life tips on raising healthy kids, this conversation will leave you inspired.
Resources We Mention for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Sign up for #LifeSkillsNow Season 4
- Information on Dr. Elie Metchnikoff's studies on fermented milk and kefir from 1904
- Read more about the effects of antibacterial everything
- Here's a study on fermented milk and colon cancer
- A kid's perspective on going dairy-free
- Find Lifeway online
- Follow Julie on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn
- Check out Julie's cookbook: The Kefir Cookbook: Amazon, Bookshop, eBook
Get your free knife skills class at https://kidscookrealfood.com/HPHknife right now!
- Kitchen Stewardship
- Kids Cook Real Food
- follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook
- Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates
- YouTube shorts channel for HPH
- Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast
Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.